Would you like to bookmark this item?

You can bookmark this item and revisit it later using the “My Bookmarks” function at the bottom of the page. Bookmarking items is only possible when you’ve enabled cookies on your browser. Please note: If you delete your cookies, all previously set bookmarks will be erased.

Fun Fact

The university in Halle is called “Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg”.

The City

Looking back on 1,200 years of history, Halle (Saale) is proud of its status as a center of education and citadel of culture. It's home to one of Germany’s oldest universities, not to mention the largest institute of higher education in all of northern LutherCountry. Halle (Saale) is also the proud host of the only Handel Festival in Germany to take place in authentic locations. Every year since 1922, the city enthralls audiences with operas and oratorios performed by top names in the international Baroque music scene, breathing new life into Handel’s musical legacy. Halle (Saale) also boasts a lovely cityscape, including a beautifully rehabilitated old town and romantic scenery along the banks of the Saale River.

The Francke Foundations

The Francke Foundations is a social and educational charity that was founded in 1698. They were the ones responsible for sending Henry Melchior Muhlenberg to Pennsylvania, where he founded the first Lutheran Church in America. Today, it’s also famous for its Cabinet of Artifacts and Curiosities, which is said to be Germany’s oldest museum.

Market Church

This late-Gothic construction is truly unique; a construction process that lasted a quarter of a century (1529-1554) led to the combination of two churches, which in turn created a 4-tower anomaly that defines the city’s skyline to this very day. In addition to its eye-catching form, this church also houses two of Halle’s greatest treasures: Martin Luther's death mask and Handel's baptismal font!

Nebra Sky Disc

The State Museum of Prehistory in Halle (Saale) is where you’ll find the famous Nebra Sky Disc. Discovered near Nebra in 1999, this find dates back to the Bronze Age and represents one of the earliest known depictions of the heavens as we see them today. Some 3,600 years old, the disc is made of bronze and covered in gold leaf decorations. In addition to this fascinating exhibit, the State Museum of Prehistory also boasts artifacts dating back to the Early Stone Age.

The Handel City – Birthplace of George Frideric Handel

The legendary composer George Frideric Handel was born in Halle (Saale) on February 23, 1685. The house in which he was born is now a listed building and home to the Handel House, a museum that welcomes you to explore its permanent and special exhibitions to uncover the secrets behind Handel’s life, work, and times. The Market Church (where he was baptized), the Halle Cathedral (whose organ he played), and the Handel Memorial are just a few of the city highlights that allow you to walk in Handel’s footsteps!

Halle Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral dates all the way back to 1271, making it the oldest religious building in Halle (Saale). Its resplendent interior is a wonder to behold, featuring artwork predominantly from the famous Reformation painter, Lucas Cranach the Elder, as well as Matthias Grünewald, one of Germany’s greatest Renaissance painters.